Toyota Gazoo Racing's Elfyn Evans in action during the wrc Safari Rally in Naivasha on March 23, 2025/@WRCSAFARI
With just two stages remaining, the Welshman is spearheading Toyota’s charge, clocking a cumulative time of 4:02:42. Hot on his heels is Hyundai’s Ott Tanak (4:04:20.3), with reigning WRC champion Thierry Neuville sitting third at 4:06:51.3.
Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta (4:07:28.7) remains in contention but faces an uphill battle to break into the podium places.
Defending Safari Rally champion Kalle Rovanpera, who was paced fifth, saw his campaign come to a premature end earlier in the day, bowing out due to technical issues. Youngster Sami Pajari is now fifth with a cumulative time of 4:10:05.2.
The action-packed Sunday morning stages set the tone for a thrilling finale. Tanak dominated SS17 Mzabibu 2 (8.27km), clocking 6:43.4, while Katsuta stormed to victory in SS18 Oserengoni 1 (18.33km) with 11:11.1.
Adrien Fourmaux of Hyundai then took the honors in SS19 Hell’s Gate 1, setting a blistering 5:34.8. As the afternoon session looms, Katsuta remains realistic about his chances of snatching a podium finish.
"It’s not possible to take third based on my speed because Thierry and the others are really fast too," he admitted.
However, in the unpredictable world of rallying, he knows fortune could still play a role.
"One puncture can change a lot, so we will just try to focus and collect more points in the afternoon session."
Reflecting on the punishing Safari Rally terrain, Katsuta acknowledged the sheer brutality of the event.
"It has been a very tough and frustrating weekend so far. But with this rally, you never know until the very end."
